Australian Idol’s Anthony Callea reveals he was consumed by ‘shame and embarrassment’ when coming out to his parents as gay: ‘I hated myself’
Anthony Callea has revealed the gut wrenching struggle he experienced when coming out to his parents.
Writing in his new memoir, Behind The Voice: Dietro La Voce, as extracted by Stellar Magazine, the 40-year-old says he was consumed by ‘shame’ when making the confession.
The Australian Idol star, who rose to fame on season two of the competition, revealed that he actually auditioned for the first season of the show in 2003, but fled the studio, consumed by anxiety.
That same night, he hid out in a hotel room, terrified as he had left his parents a note revealing that he was gay before he set out for the audition.
‘At this point, yes, I knew I was gay, but I couldn’t even say the word out loud. I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror and say, “I’m gay.” The shame and embarrassment were too much and I hated myself’ he writes.
Anthony Callea(pictured) has revealed the gut wrenching struggle he experienced when coming out to his parents. Writing in his new memoir, Behind The Voice: Dietro La Voce, as extracted by Stellar Magazine, Anthony says he was consumed by ‘shame’
Anthony’s parents were panicked by his disappearance, and when he finally came back home, he was met with tender understanding.
‘My dad came in and sat on the edge of the bed. He was very quiet, and I was so sure this bombshell I had just dropped, this fact that I was gay, would make them disappointed in me.
‘Finally, he just said, “There is nothing wrong with you, Anthony. You haven’t hurt anyone. You haven’t done anything wrong. We love you. What can Mum and I do to help you?”
‘I can’t describe how this made me feel; it gives me goosebumps reliving it.’
The Australian Idol star, who rose to fame on season two of the competition, revealed that he actually auditioned for the first season of the show in 2003, but fled the studio, consumed by anxiety. Pictured on Australian Idol in 2004
Anthony married actor Tim Campbell in 2014 after seven years of dating. Both pictured
Anthony married actor Tim Campbell in 2014 after seven years of dating.
He confirmed his sexuality in 2007, three years after placing second to Casey Donovan on season two of Australian Idol.
He told fans via his website: ‘For some, ‘coming out’ isn’t a big issue. For me it was.
‘Others say you should just be honest with yourself. Well, that is easier said than done.’
He confirmed his sexuality in 2007, three years after placing second to Casey Donovan on season two of Australian Idol (pictured)
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