Olly Alexander Was ‘Desperate for Education’ About Queer Sexuality as a Student

Even as queer sexuality and same-sex marriage become more accepted, young queer people still struggle to understand their sexuality because they lack proper sexual education classes.

Years & Years singer Olly Alexander opened up about how he longed for actual, structured sex ed as a young man first discovering his sexuality.

"Gay people didn't exist in our sex education," he said. "I had no idea how men even had sex with men.... It just wasn't spoken about. It was hidden away. You could only guess just by talking with friends."

Related: Olly Alexander Literally Gets Wet Talking About Gay Sex Education

Alexander spoke on a panel for Student Pride about sexual education. Without sex ed, he said, he relied on relationships with men that he admits he was not completely prepared for.

"I had a few experiences with older guys I realize now that I was taken advantage of," he said. "I was desperate for the attention, the relationship. I was desperate for education."