Our crush on Olly Alexander is Not A Phase
Embracing joy as an act of resistance.
Sir Ian McKellen is not only a national treasure, an acting icon, and an advocate for the LGBTQ community, but he's also a very generous fundraiser.
Which is how I came to be sitting in his living room - with about 75 other people - overlooking the Thames, listening to an intimate performance by Olly Alexander.
The event was raising funds for the charity Not A Phase - a trans-led, grassroots charity committed to uplifting and improving the lives of trans+ adults, through awareness campaigning, social projects and funding trans+ led initiatives.
After a welcome by Sir Ian, and an intro by the charity's CEO Danielle St James, Olly Alexander sat at the piano and played and sang.
It was intimate, it was beautiful, it was joyous.
Giving us a combination of songs from his recent albums, tracks from Years & Years, and covers of some classics, Olly is such a warm and engaging performer that it's impossible not to immediately fall in love with him.
As an extra treat, Jake Shears joined Olly to sing a version of It's A Sin, as well as a spirited rendition of Take Your Mama Out.
A unique concert, a worthy charity, and queer community power in action. It was a powerful reminder that we can accomplish great things when we work together.
You can support Not A Phase by donating via their website
Gareth Johnson