In a wide ranging interview on Irish radio, Ireland’s Eurovision 2013 star, Ryan Dolan has come out as gay. In fairness, we probably should have guessed it following his extremely homo-erotic stage show in Malmo.
Joking aside, the interview itself is very powerful. You can listen to all of it by clicking here. But as it’s almost half an hour long, we’ve plucked out the highlights.
Coming Out
It was only when I was 21, really that my whole family found about it. The first person I ever told was my older sister, and that was when I was 14. And then I just gradually told other people in my family afterwards. My father was the last person I told because I was afraid about what he would think – but he actually took it better than anyone I told. It was actually my mother that told him, because I was so afraid, on my 21st birthday. He just texted me and told me that it didn’t make one difference to him.
My father was the l last person to find out because I was afraid of what he would think. I think he actually took it the better than anyone I told. I couldn’t ask for better parents, they’ve been great to me my whole life.
Depression and Suicide
Thinking back now I wish I would have came out about it a long time ago. I think my youth was wasted worrying all the time about it. If I had been more open back then I would have been happier.
I really did struggle growing up with that in my head and wondering how people would take it. I really got depressed about it for years. I did contemplate suicide. I never attempted suicide, but it was always a thought in my mind. I know depression can be hereditary, and I know it’s in my family. Over the last five years I’ve lost two uncles and an auntie to suicide – all on the one side of my family – my mum’s side.
Couldn’t be Happier
Now I’m completely happy, the last few years have been the happiest of my life since every one in my family knew. My life changed and the weight of all that stress lifted off my shoulders. Having dealt with it for all those years, it went away.
Young Gay People Today
It’s not a big deal anymore. Things have changed compared to even when I was in school. Young people are coming out now at 15 or 16 which would never have happened when I was at school.
There’s parents who might have an inkling there’s something different about their son or daughter. Maybe just ask them, and they don’t have to go through the pressure of coming out and saying the words.
New Music
I wanted to write a song about myself growing up, which is how [Start Again] came about. The idea of the video is basically about two young boys in school, who know they’re gay. Everyone needs to love their life being who they are, who they really are and not to hide their feelings and things like that. I think it’s got a great message.
Since the interview was broadcast this afternoon, Ryan has taken to Twitter to express his gratitude for all the support he has received:
Big thank you to everyone for all the kind messages of support today! 🙂 I really hope you all enjoyed the… http://t.co/7TqibKFVPH
— Ryan Dolan Official (@ryandolanmusic) February 5, 2014
I think Ryan is to be commended for his openness. Coming out can be tough, but hopefully his frankness will make things a bit easier for those still struggling with their sexuality. I’m sure y’all agree.
Padraig Jude contributed this report from Ireland. Follow him on Twitter at @PadraigJude. And while you’re at it, like our Facebook page to stay up-to-date with the latest Eurovision news and gossip.
Photo: Thomas Hanses (EBU)
Lord have mercy…who WERE those hot drummers??????
Oh, nice performance Ryan! 😉
You’re welcome, Arianna 🙂
Damn, it’s good, Alex! Thanks for sharing the mix 🙂
@Charles, his placing last was more likely due to a failure of the new voting system than whether voters actually liked the entry. I mean, televote ranked him right in the middle of the pack. Jury didn’t like him, but it still never made sense to me that Spain could finish joint last in televote and jury and yet not be ranked last overall, or Montenegro 4th in televote but fail to make the final, and so forth… Poor Ryan. He doesn’t have the strongest voice, but he hit the notes, and his live performance deserved more than the paltry… Read more »
Awwwww, bless you Ryan Dolan! Your song might have been a shitty entry but dear god your drummers/dancers were hot as hell.
All the best to him!
The best thing to do is ignore Dhani. He’s writing stupid posts like this to get people to notice him because in the real world, he obviously has nothing better going for him that would make people want to notice.
Now we know who the half naked drummers were moving their bodies for haha…jk. He’s hot!
@ Dhani
Grow up! You should be ashamed of yourself! If you have nothing interesting to tell you’d better shut up! Nobody needs your homophobic comments! Keep it to yourself! Please show some respect to your fellow man! Coming out is such a difficult and sensitive topic these days and you need to understand that.
I’m so surprised. I didn’t expect this. He seems like such a sweet and cute boy. I think he’s so incredibly handsome. He’s really yummy! 😉 I’m so proud of you Ryan! You are an example to many gays. I wish you the very best!
it wasn’t unsuspected, but congrats! 😛
I’m glad to hear he’s finally happy. Ryan is hot, seems like a genuinely great person and I loved his performance last year – he deserved much more! Good luck!
Ah great guy, Ryan! 😀 It’s great he addressed it and sent out some really positive messages.
I believe that it is everyones decision to come out. I commend him for being open and wish him the best in all parts of his life.
Awesome 🙂
Ohh .. Well if he is looking for a bf I’m here ..
Fortunately for him he did not have a boner in his leather pants with those hot shirtless guys dancing around him on stage
He should have come out at Eurovision. He would have earned more gay votes!