Gay & Lesbian

He’s the man George Michael serenaded in his song ‘Amazing’, and is one half of one of the most high-profile gay couples in the world. Now Kenny Goss is lending his support to the Gay & Lesbian Awards. The first awards ceremony was held in 2005 at The Savoy, and backed by the likes of David Furnish, Paul O’Grady and Stephen Fry.

And despite some unlikely winners (Live Performer of the Year went to ex-Boyzone singer Stephen Gately), most people agreed that it was a night to remember.

This year’s event will be held at Claridges. Categories include Businessperson of the Year, Media Personality of the Year, Community Award and Fashion Award of the Year.
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Time Out: So what made you decide to get involved with the Gay & Lesbian Awards?
Kenny Goss: ‘I was invited to the first Awards Ceremony in 2005 and contacted by Simon Cherry the creator of the awards soon after. I liked the idea of honouring people from the gay community who had succeeded despite their sexuality. The Awards are the shop front to a more serious cause, The Violet Fund, whose mission is to raise funds to distribute as scholarships to young gay men and women to further their professional lives, and this I find very worthwhile. I was also surprised to discover that The G&LAs stand alone in terms of awards. They are the only ones in the world for gay people, selected by gay people. I find that very surprising!’

Are gay awards really necessary? What do you say to those people who say that being gay is no longer an issue?
‘All celebratory initiatives are worthy of support if they promote positive images to their target audience and at the same time promote integration as a whole. So, yes, the G&LAs are much needed.’

Some say events like the Gay Games only succeed in segregating gay athletes, and judging them by a different standard. What do you think?
‘Gladiatorial type of events by definition should be fully inclusive as they are otherwise non-representative. Honourific awards are different in the sense they celebrate success. Judging of any kind should be carried out by an appropriately qualified group of people. We feel, in the case of the G&LAs, this is best done by the public. Hence we’re asking the gay community to vote for the various winners in each of the various categories.’

How important are gay role models?
‘Gay role models are important for those who are struggling to come to terms with their sexuality and need examples of others who have been through a similar situation and are happy. It’s different for every individual in their own environment. But it is important for people, especially young people, to know that they are not alone, and that they can be happy being open about their sexuality.’

Who were your gay role models growing up?
‘[Laughs] Hmmm, I don’t think that as a child growing up in Texas, there were many gay role models. I can’t remember having any! I don’t think this was even an option in Texas! Come to think of it, I was a late starter – at some point I was even dating Ms Texas! Looking back, it was probably the sequins and frills that attracted me! Ha ha!’

Did you watch any of the recent Channel 4 gay season? What did you think of it?
‘Unfortunately, because of George’s European tour schedule I’ve been in and out of the country for the last three and a half months, but it’s something I wish I could have seen as it sounded interesting.’

You and George are one of the most famous gay couples in the world, and under constant media scrutiny. Is there a pressure to ‘set a good example’?
‘There’s a lot of pressure to behave a certain way generally when you’re a couple in the public eye, because people are always waiting to see what’s going to happen next in your relationship. Being a gay couple possibly heightens this a bit, as there are less of us! Nevertheless, it’s something I’m aware of but don’t let that control or determine my relationship. It’s too important.

We don’t go out in the public eye too often and try to keep things as private as possible. I like to think we set a very good example of a gay relationship. I’m certainly not a very good actor, so what you see is what you get!’

George has been very upfront about the open nature of your relationship. Do you think the straight world fully understands these issues?
‘I’m not sure. I’ve always believed that honesty is the best policy.’

Elton John and David Furnish were involved in the first Gay & Lesbian Awards. Do you feel you’re following in their footsteps?
‘David was involved in the 2005 G&LAs but Elton was never actively involved. Simon invited David as he has a successful film production company and maintains this regardless of being Elton’s partner. I think the same was applied to me when Simon invited me to support the G&LAs.

As director of the Goss-Michael Foundation in Dallas I bring my own skills to the initiative and hope to raise awareness of the event and the Violet Fund.’

Kenny Goss is a patron of the Violet Fund which is hosting the Gay & Lesbian Awards at Claridges on September 21. Cast your vote at www.thegalas.org