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Queen’s Brian May denies being ‘unfriendly’ to trans people over his response to Brits Awards’ gender-neutral categories
Brian May said Queen ‘wouldn’t be considered diverse enough’ if they came out today (Picture: Getty)
Brian May has backtracked on his previous comments about the Brit Awards scrapping its gendered categories, insisting he wasn’t being ‘unfriendly to trans people’.
The Queen guitarist reacted to the Brits’ groundbreaking move of introducing gender-neutral categories for its 2022 awards, with male and female nominations axed entirely in a bid to promote inclusivity.
Speaking to The Sun at ITV Palooza last week, Brian was quoted as saying he believed his legendary rock band Queen ‘wouldn’t be considered diverse enough’ if they started out today. The rock icon reportedly said he was ‘very uncomfortable about some of the decisions that are being made out of fear’ in reference to the Brits.
However, Brian, 74, has claimed he was ‘ambushed’ and didn’t mean to cause offence.
In an Instagram post, the musician wrote: ‘Sincere apologies to anyone who has been hurt by the stories. My heart is open as always to humans of all colours, all creeds, all sexes and sexualities, all shapes and sizes – and all creatures.
‘We all deserve respect and an equal place in this world. And my grateful thanks to all of you who stepped up to defend me in the last couple of days.
Brian says his ‘heart is always open to all humans’ (Picture: Rex Features)
‘It means so much that you have faith in me. With love – Bri.’
He received support from Adam Lambert, who has performed with Queen as frontman for almost a decade, and left a string of red heart emoji.
In his red carpet interview at the star-studded ITV bash last Thursday, Brian reportedly told the publication: ‘I feel very uncomfortable about some of the decisions that are being made, often out of fear.
‘Because people are so afraid of being called out. It is a horrible atmosphere.
Dua Lipa won the last British female of the year award with gendered nominations scrapped (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I am sure if Queen started now we would be forced to have people of different colours and different sexes and a trans [person], but life doesn’t have to be like that. We can be separate and different.’
Fredde Mercury, who died in 1991, was born to Parsi-Indian parents and described himself as bisexual. He was also well known for playing with gender expression, redefining masculinity in rock music.
The Brit Awards ditched its gendered categories after musicians including Sam Smith, who identifies as non-binary, called for the change.
More: Brit Awards
The nominations will consist of gender-neutral categories including artist of the year and hip hop/rap/grime act, doing away with the likes of British female artist and British male artist.
The Brits 2022 take place on February 15.
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