Troye Sivan’s latest video is a powerful and poignant reminder of LGBTQ history
YouTuber and pop music sensation Troye Sivan has shared the video for “Heaven,” his latest single, and it’s a powerful and poignant reminder of the rich tapestry of LGBTQ history.
We’re huge fans of 21-year-old Troye Sivan’s music. Not only does he make life-affirming and melancholic pop songs, but his music videos are full of luscious throwbacks and tackle important issues like coming out, LGBTQ youth, and suicide. What’s more, the singer and YouTuber has spoken about his own experiencing of coming out (something he shared with the world via a YouTube video), and has become a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Now in the face of socio-political uncertainty, Troye Sivan has released a new music video for “Heaven,” and it’s so important.
The track, taken from his debut album Blue Neighbourhood, features fellow Aussie singer Betty Who, and is an emotional song that was inspired Troye’s own coming out experience.
"When I first started to realize that I might be gay, I had to ask myself all these questions—these really really terrifying questions," he told Out Magazine in 2015. "Am I ever going to find someone? Am I ever going to be able to have a family? If there is a God, does that God hate? If there is a heaven, am I ever going to make it to heaven?"
Troye later said that the song’s lyrics came from one realization. “If there is a heaven, but I can’t be myself up there,” he said, “then maybe I don’t want heaven.”
The song’s music video is an uncompromising look at the significant battles that the LGBTQ community have fought, while also celebrating same sex love. Scenes of Troye himself embraced with a man are intercut with archival footage from gay rights protests including clips of Harvey Milk, and from the ACT UP protests of the ’80s and ’90s. It’s deeply moving and incredibly powerful. Watch the clip below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VNV__mV38s?feature=oembed
Taking to Twitter to talk about the song and video, Troye said that the track was the most important one he’d ever written.
Shout out to @alexhopemusic, @jackantonoff, @Grimezsz, and @BettyWho for helping me make the most important song I've made
— 👼🏼 (@troyesivan) January 19, 2017
In a press release, the singer also opened up about why the video is so integral right now.
"We have always been here. We will always be here," he said. "This video is dedicated to all who’ve come before me and fought for our cause and those who now continue the fight. In dark and light times, let’s love forever."
While initially planned for release today (January 20th) to coincide with the inauguration, the video was released a few hours earlier. However, the clip is a clear reminder of everything that gay rights campaigners have done in a time where LGBTQ rights are under threat.
Troye Sivan’s debut album Blue Neighbourhood is available now.
